A Time of Thanks and Gratitude

As we near the end of another year, the month of November gives us a chance to reflect and show our appreciation and gratitude for the many blessings in our lives. First, we would like to recognize the service and sacrifice of all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces on Veterans Day, November 11. We are grateful for their protection and the freedoms they have secured for our country. Thank you to all of our veterans.

 

We would also like to recognize a group of individuals who are often overlooked for the service they provide to those in need – Family Caregivers. These unsung heroes deserve to be celebrated, and Family Caregivers Month is the perfect time to show appreciation for the countless hours spent and tasks performed caring for their loved ones.

What Does Family Caregiving Look Like in 2024?

According to the National Council on Aging, there are currently over 50 million individuals in the U.S. providing unpaid care to adult family members who are either elderly or suffering from a chronic or debilitating condition. These caregivers may be spouses, partners, adult children, or other relatives, and many have jobs and/or caregiving responsibilities for children as well. This so-called “sandwich generation” accounts for nearly a quarter of all adults in the U.S. 

 

With the rising costs of medical care and long-term nursing homes or assisted living communities, many families have made the decision to provide in-home care for their loved ones based on financial considerations. While many report that they are very happy in their home lives and enjoy the benefits of a multigenerational household, there are a number of demands on family caregivers that can affect their mental and physical health.

Common Responsibilities of the Family Caregiver

In addition to regular, daily demands on their time, especially if they are also working and raising children, family caregivers typically provide assistance with a wide variety of tasks for their loved ones in need. These tasks can include:

• “Activities of Daily Living” (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and assisting with mobility in the home, and;
• “Instrumental Activities of Daily Living” (IADLs) such as providing transportation (e.g., to appointments, etc.), grocery shopping, prepping meals, administering medications, helping with financial transactions, and assisting with communication (e.g., making phone calls, sending emails, etc.). 

 

Impacts on Family Caregivers

Having the responsibility for managing some or all of these common tasks requires the individual to have strong organizational skills, be a thoughtful communicator, and operate with patience and empathy. And while most family caregivers are happy to be able to support and care for their loved ones, it can be overwhelming at times and can lead to emotional stress, mental health issues, or physical ailments. Some of the most common stressors include:

• Loss of personal time 

• • • Having difficulty finding time to complete personal tasks or practice self-care
    • Not having the support of siblings or other relatives

• Family conflict

• • • Especially regarding issues of decision-making authority and financial management

• Feelings of Inadequacy

• • • Being spread thin and not being able to give 100% to everyone

• Managing Complex Emotions

• • Processing the role reversal of a child as a caregiver to a parent
  • Feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, grief, resentment

Support and Relief for Family Caregivers

Understanding the resources and services available to support family caregivers can make a big difference in their quality of life while they do so much to ensure a good quality of life for their loved ones. With all the demands placed on them it can sometimes feel like there is no way to get a break, but there are some easy ways to help them and ease their load:

1. Offer some help. This could mean preparing a meal, buying groceries, doing some household chores (like laundry), or running an errand for them.
2. Listen. Just providing an empathetic ear can make a huge difference to someone who needs to vent or seek advice.
3. Give them grace. Remember that they have a lot on their plates and give them a break if they are running late, forget to do something small, or are a little distracted.
4. Arrange for Respite Care. Work with a professional agency to provide care for their loved one on a short-term basis. Whether it is for an afternoon, a day, a week, or more, Granny Nannies of Miami can provide certified home care providers to assist with daily tasks so family caregivers can get a little help or a much-needed break.

 

They say “you can’t fill a glass from an empty vessel,” and the same is true of caregiving; you can’t care for others if you haven’t taken care of yourself. For family caregivers, remembering this is especially important because their emotional ties to the individuals in their care make them feel even more responsible. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving this year (and beyond), let us remember to show gratitude for all of the family caregivers in our lives by making sure they have the support that they need. Granny Nannies of Miami can help; let us know what we can do for you.